The transition from summertime to the winter months can be difficult for many. Less sunlight, inclement weather and fewer opportunities to get outside can affect our moods and mindsets. But consciously incorporating more natural elements into our everyday routines can be helpful, especially at this time of year. Here are a few ways you can start …
Throw wide the curtains
Bringing the outdoors in can be as simple as pulling up blinds, opening curtains and – quite literally – shedding a bit more light on your daily situation. Not only does natural light help our bodies adjust to the morning, but insufficient exposure to natural light throughout the day can increase the risk of insomnia and depression. Get into the habit of starting the day by letting the light in where you can and if there’s a warm, sunny spot where you can enjoy your morning coffee, even better.
Plant a windowsill herb garden
No garden? No problem! Herbs are a great way to bring leafy, green outdoor energy indoors because they’re easy to keep, grow all year round and will give you a boost of antioxidants when you use them in your cooking. Most supermarkets sell potted basil (great for salads and homemade pesto), mint (elevates a simple meat marinade) and coriander, which will cost you just a few pounds. If you’re feeling adventurous you can also regrow some vegetables from kitchen scraps. A quick search online and you’ll discover that spring onions, celery and ginger are all simple to grow from the bits you normally chuck away.
Treat your ears to a nature playlist
Nature has its own special, soothing music, but if you’re not standing on the shore, or deep in a forest you might be missing out. Bring the great outdoors inside and tap into your auditory senses by creating a playlist full of wave sounds, thunderstorms, soft rain, birdsong and crackling bonfires. Research has shown that listening to nature recordings can boost mood and increase productivity, with birdsong also rated as a potential stress buster – provided you’re listening to the right type of bird.
Run a botanical bath
A great way to incorporate more nature into your life is to literally start bathing in it. There’s loads of botanical foams and bath salts available, but for a more authentic – and totally gratis – experience, fill your bath with fresh or dried flower petals and aromatics such as sprigs of lavender or lemon balm.
Try a more natural approach to oral hygiene
You may be familiar with a more natural alternative to soap, body wash and deodorant, but now you can give your mouth a powerful clean that’s inspired by nature. When used twice daily, Listerine Naturals ensures mouth hygiene by reducing plaque and killing up to 99% of germs left after brushing. Free from alcohol and dyes, this antibacterial mouthwash is made from a 96% natural-origin and biodegradable formula and comes in 100% recyclable packaging*, allowing you to feel more at one with nature without compromising your oral hygiene.
Give denim a ‘fresh air wash’
Recent research suggests that in order to be kinder to the environment and ourselves, we should be washing our clothes a whole lot less, with experts saying that garments such as jeans should only be washed about once a month. So, with the colder months just around the corner, why not revitalise – and deodorise – your winter wardrobe with a bit of sunlight and fresh air, rather than an energy-intensive machine wash. When hung outside (on a dry day, of course) the sun’s rays will naturally dry the fabric while the fresh air chases away any bad odours. Just keep one eye on the weather!
Try your hand at nature journaling
Putting pen to paper is a great way of slowing ourselves down and being in the moment – one way of doing this is by keeping a journal of your thoughts, which can be beneficial in helping with mental health. “Nature journaling” is sketching or writing with a focus on the finer details of the natural world. If sketching in your garden, local park or shoreline isn’t an option, collect some leaves, feathers or pine cones and spend some time committing them to paper.
Take a scroll through the environment
Let’s face it, our love for scrolling on social media isn’t going anywhere. Limiting the time we spend online is always a good idea but choosing to follow more accounts that share beautiful shots of wildlife and the great outdoors can be relaxing and a restorative break in between the rest of the noise. Stay connected with local farmers and outdoor initiatives, follow nature-based communities or, if those aren’t your thing, just search for relaxing shots of the ocean, far flung forests or lose yourself in the wonder of the stars and space.
Bring more nature into your life by embracing new Listerine Naturals. Formulated with essential oils, Listerine Naturals works below the gumline where brushing cannot reach. Made using a dye and alcohol-free formula, Listerine Naturals comes in a 100% recyclable bottle*, which is made from 50% recycled plastic. Try it for yourself now at selected larger Boots stores
*safety seal excluded
